Automatic device pairing

ABSTRACT

The description relates to device pairing. One example can involve a computing device (e.g., companion device) and a stylus. The companion device can have a display and be configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless protocol. The stylus can be configured to transmit proximity information to the computing device when a user brings a tip of the stylus proximate to the display and be configured to supply wireless protocol identification information with the proximity information. The computing device can be configured to pair with the stylus over the wireless protocol using the wireless protocol identification information without requiring any additional action from the user on the computing device or the stylus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the conceptsconveyed in the present document. Features of the illustratedimplementations can be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are usedwherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-mostnumeral of each reference number conveys the FIG. and associateddiscussion where the reference number is first introduced.

FIGS. 1-2 collectively show example use case scenarios in accordancewith some implementations of the present concepts.

FIG. 3 shows a system example in accordance with some implementations ofthe present concepts.

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus example in accordance with someimplementations of the present concepts.

FIGS. 5-6 show example flow charts in accordance with someimplementations of the present concepts.

DESCRIPTION

The present concepts relate to electronic or active styluses(hereinafter, “styluses”) and easy pairing of the styluses to companiondisplay devices (hereinafter, “companion devices”), such as tablets orphones. Users that buy a stylus with their companion device expect thestylus to work with the companion device. User satisfaction is quicklydiminished if the user has to read instructions and take variousnon-intuitive actions to get the stylus and companion device to operatecooperatively. The present concepts provide several seamless solutionsso that from the user's perspective the stylus and the companion devicework as expected with little or no user intervention/involvement.

FIGS. 1-2 collectively illustrate a use case scenario explained relativeto system 100. In this case, system 100 involves a stylus 102 and acompanion device (e.g., computing device) 104 having a display 106. Thestylus 102 includes a body 108, a sensing tip 110, and a power source,such as a battery 112.

For purposes of explanation, this scenario begins relative to InstanceOne when a user 114 powers up the stylus 102 for the first time, such asby inserting the battery 112 into the stylus. For instance, the user maypurchase the stylus 102 and the companion device 104 together as a set,open the packaging, and install the battery. In other cases, the batterymay already be installed and the user may simply pick up the stylus forinitial use.

As shown in Instance Two, upon unwrapping the stylus 102 and powering itup, the user 114 may intuitively try to write (e.g., ink) on thecompanion device 104′s display 106 (or otherwise interact with thedisplay) with the stylus. As the stylus's sensing tip 110 interacts(e.g., approaches and/or touches) the display 106, sensed informationcan be communicated between the stylus 102 and the companion device 104as indicated generally at 116. The sensed information can becommunicated in various wireless formats, examples of which aredescribed below. Generally, these formats rely on close proximity of thedevices involved, such as within a couple of inches. For instance, thestylus 102 can generate signals that convey the sensed information andthat are picked up by the companion device 104 via a proximity sensingcomponent, such as a digitizer 118 underlying the display 106 as shownby cut-away 120.

Normally, this sensed information 116 can relate to pressure informationof the sensing tip 110 on the display 106, acceleration informationrelating to the sensing tip, etc. However, the present implementationscan include additional information with the sensed information 116. Thisadditional information can be wireless format (e.g., protocol)identification information about other wireless capabilities of thestylus 102. For instance, the stylus may have Bluetooth capabilities,and the wireless format identification information can relate to theseBluetooth capabilities. For example, the wireless format identificationinformation can include a Bluetooth unique identification (e.g.,manufacturing identification number or Bluetooth address) or theBluetooth unique identification can be derived from the availablewireless format identification information.

In Instance Three, the companion device 104 can use the Bluetooth uniqueidentification received with (or derived from) the sensed information toinitiate Bluetooth pairing with the stylus 102 as indicated generally at122. The stylus 102 can respond to the initial communication asindicated generally at 124 and pairing can be accomplished in accordancewith Bluetooth protocols. This wireless protocol identificationinformation can allow pairing to be accomplished without the user 114taking any affirmative steps, such as going to a settings menu on thecompanion device, selecting Bluetooth, selecting an individual device,and selecting that the individual device be paired.

For purposes of explanation, Instance Three presents a graphical userinterface (GUI) 126 on companion device 104 that indicates that pairinghas been commenced with the stylus 102 and asks if the user wants tocontinue. Other implementations may simply complete the pairing withoutany user input and instead rely on the fact that the user is using thestylus to interact with the companion device as evidence that the userwants to pair the stylus and the companion device.

From one perspective, some of the present implementations can utilizeout-of-band communications relating to display interactions to transferinformation about other wireless formats of the interactingdevice/apparatus (e.g., stylus 102) to the display device (e.g.,companion device 104). The companion device can use the informationabout the interacting device to establish communication over anotherwireless format, rather than relying on manual actions from the user toestablish the communication.

FIG. 2 shows that subsequent communication can be accomplished betweenthe stylus 102 and the companion device 104 via the second wirelessformat (e.g., in this case Bluetooth). For instance, as shown inInstance Four, if the user 114 subsequently picks up the stylus 102, thestylus can communicate with the companion device 104 and cause thecompanion device to launch a drawing application (or take anotheraction). In this example, as shown in Instance Five, the drawingapplication (e.g., drawing application GUI) 202 can be launched and beready for the user to use on the companion device 104 before the stylus102 even approaches the companion device's display 106.

Alternatively to launching an application, the user 114 may select an‘eraser’ feature on the stylus 102, and this information can becommunicated to the companion device 104 so that when the stylus'ssensing tip 110 approaches the display 106, visual content is erasedrather than drawing/inking new content.

FIG. 3 shows system 100 and offers details about stylus 102 and/orcompanion device 104. The stylus 102 and the companion devices 104 arein and of themselves types of computing devices. In this case, system100 includes several example companion devices 104(1)-104(4). Companiondevice 104(1) is manifest as a tablet type device similar to device 104of FIGS. 1-2, companion device 104(2) is manifest as a smart phone typedevice. Companion device 104(3) is manifest as a notebook computer typedevice and device 104(4) is manifest as a digital whiteboard typedevice.

Two example device configurations 304(1) and 304(2) are illustrated thatcan be used to implement stylus 102 and/or companion devices 104.Briefly, configuration 304(1) represents an operating system centricconfiguration, and configuration 304(2) represents a system on a chipconfiguration (SOC). Configuration 304(1) is organized into one or moreapplications 310, operating system 312, and hardware 314. Configuration304(2) is organized into shared resources 316, dedicated resources 318,and an interface 320 therebetween.

In either configuration 304(1) or 304(2), the stylus 102 and/orcompanion device 104 can include storage/memory (e.g., computer-readablestorage media) 322, a processor 324, a battery 112 (or other powersource), and input assemblies 326. In this case, the input assembliesare manifest as a click switch 328. Both configurations can also includesensors 330. Examples of sensors can include: pressure sensors,proximity sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial sensors,capacitors, magnetometers, and/or microphones, among others. A specificsensor that is discussed in detail is a pressure sensor. Eitherconfiguration can include a wireless communication component(s) 332and/or a facilitation component 334. The communication component 332 caninclude transmitters and/or receivers for communicating over variouselectromagnetic wavelengths in compliance with various formats (e.g.,protocols), such as 2.4 to 2.485 GHz in the case of Bluetooth.

The sensing tip's pressure sensors can be positioned to detect whensensing tip 110 contacts display 106. Similarly, electrostatic receiverscan detect proximity of the sensing tip to a surface as the tipapproaches the surface but before physical contact via capacitance orother mechanism. In some configurations, the electrostatic receivers canfunction as proximity detectors to the companion device 104 so that thestylus 102 can transmit proximity information and wireless formatidentification information to the companion device 104.

The companion device 104 can include a proximity sensing componentmanifest as a ‘pen sensor’ (e.g., a sensor 330) configured to receivethe proximity information and wireless format identification informationfrom the stylus 102. The pen sensor can be associated with the companiondevice's display 106 (designated in FIG. 2) or the pen sensor can beindependent of the display. For instance, the pen sensor can beintegrated into the display as a display component. In another case thepen sensor can be associated with the display as a separate component.For example, the display can be manufactured as a display module andthen the pen sensor can be bonded to the display module in a subsequentprocess. In still another configuration, the pen sensor can be acomponent of the companion device that is not physically associated withthe display.

In the illustrated configuration of the stylus 102, the sensing tip 110protrudes from one end of the body 108. Other implementations may employsensing tips from both ends of the body and/or within the body. Further,sensing tips can be employed on other form factors besides theillustrated ‘pen-like’ configuration.

The communication component 332 can allow the stylus 102 to communicatewith various companion devices, such as the illustrated companiondevices 104(1)-104(4). The communication component can include areceiver and a transmitter and/or other radio frequency circuitry(and/or other components, such as analog-to-digital converters,rectifiers, etc.) for communicating via various formats, such ascellular, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.xx), Bluetooth, etc. Example communicationcomponents are described below relative to FIG. 4.

Instances of facilitation component 334 can occur on the stylus 102and/or companion device 104. In some implementations, the facilitationcomponent 334 can be manifest as part of the operating system 312,application 310, an application part, and/or an application programinterface, among other options. The functionality performed by thefacilitation components on various devices maybe similar or different.For instance, in one case, the facilitation component on the stylus 102may simply store the wireless format identification information andcause this information to be communicated to the companion device 104.In contrast, the facilitation component 334 on the companion device mayidentify (or otherwise distinguish) the sensor information from thewireless format identification information, process the wireless formatidentification information, and cause the communication component to usethe wireless format identification information to contact the stylus'scommunication component and begin the pairing process as defined by theBluetooth protocol (or other protocol). Once pairing is complete, thefacilitation component 334 can facilitate actions on the companiondevice 104 upon receiving Bluetooth communications from the stylus 102.For instance, the user 114 may select an ‘erase’ function on the stylus.This information can be communicated over Bluetooth communications tothe companion device. The facilitation component can then cause thestylus's functionality to switch from ‘draw’ to ‘erase’ on the companiondevice as the user engages the display with the stylus. Of course, thefacilitation component can cause other actions (whether predefined oruser defined) upon receiving information from the stylus received viaBluetooth communications.

Stylus 102 and companion devices 104(1)-104(4) are considered to becomputing devices. The term “device,” “computer,” or “computing device”as used herein can mean any type of device that has some amount ofprocessing capability and/or storage capability. Processing capabilitycan be provided by one or more processors 324 that can execute data inthe form of computer-readable instructions to provide a functionality.Data, such as computer-readable instructions and/or user-related data,can be stored on storage 322, such as storage that can be internal orexternal to the computer. The storage can include any one or more ofvolatile or non-volatile memory, hard drives, flash storage devices,and/or optical storage devices (e.g., CDs, DVDs etc.), remote storage(e.g., cloud-based storage), among others. As used herein, the term“computer-readable media” can include signals. In contrast, the term“computer-readable storage media” excludes signals. Computer-readablestorage media includes “computer-readable storage devices.” Examples ofcomputer-readable storage devices include volatile storage media, suchas RAM, and non-volatile storage media, such as hard drives, opticaldiscs, and/or flash memory, among others.

As mentioned above, configuration 304(2) is considered to be a system ona chip (SOC) type design. In such a case, functionality provided by thedevice can be integrated on a single SOC or multiple coupled SOCs. Oneor more processors 324 can be configured to coordinate with sharedresources 316, such as memory/storage 322, etc., and/or one or morededicated resources 318, such as hardware blocks configured to performcertain specific functionality. Thus, the term “processor” as usedherein can also refer to central processing units (CPUs), graphicalprocessing units (GPUs), controllers, microcontrollers, processor cores,or other types of processing devices.

Generally, any of the functions described herein can be implementedusing software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed-logic circuitry), or acombination of these implementations. The term “component” as usedherein generally represents software, firmware, hardware, whole devicesor networks, or a combination thereof. In the case of a softwareimplementation, for instance, these may represent program code thatperforms specified tasks when executed on a processor (e.g., CPU orCPUs). The program code can be stored in one or more computer-readablememory devices, such as computer-readable storage media. The featuresand techniques of the component are platform-independent, meaning thatthey may be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platformshaving a variety of processing configurations.

FIG. 4 shows additional details about one example SOC implementation ofstylus 102. The stylus's sensing tip 110 is touching display 106 ofcompanion device 104(1). Illustrated elements of the companion deviceinclude facilitation component 334, storage 322, a Bluetooth addressgeneration algorithm 400, a pen sensor 330(N), and a communicationcomponent 332.

This particular implementation of stylus 102 includes two separateprinted circuit boards, PCB 402(1) and PCB 402(2), powered by twoseparate batteries 112(1) and 112(2), though the functionality could beachieved on a single integrated PCB powered by a single battery. In thiscase, battery 112(1) is manifest as a AAAA battery generating 1.5 voltsand battery 112(2) is manifest as two 319 button batteries connected inseries to generate 3 volts.

PCB 402(1) includes an ASIC 404 and a signal generator 406(1) forgenerating signals of specific frequencies. Sensor tip 110 includes apressure sensor 330(1) that is connected to the ASIC 404. The ASIC 404is also connected to battery 112(1) and selectively to ground 408. Inthis case, signal generator 406(1) is manifest as an oscillator 409(1)and the ASIC 404. The ASIC 404 also includes storage 322A that haswireless protocol identification information 410 that is manifest as adevice serial number 412.

PCB 402(2) includes another ASIC 414 and a signal generator 406(2) inthe form of an oscillator 409(2). In this case, the ASIC 414 canfunction as a Bluetooth radio. The ASIC 414 can include storage 322Bthat has a BlueTooth random static address (BT address) 416 storedthereon. The ASIC 414 is driven by two 319 button batteries 112(2)A and112(2)B. The batteries also drive a power on indicator assembly 418. Auser activatable input assembly 420 in the form of click switch 328 isconnected to the ASIC 414. ASIC 404 and the signal generator 406(1) canfunction as a communication component (332, FIG. 3). Similarly, ASIC 414and signal generator 406(2) can function as a communication component,or alternatively, ASIC 404, signal generator 406(1), ASIC 414, andsignal generator 406(2) can be viewed as a single communicationcomponent.

The functionality of the above introduced elements is described below.Recall that traditionally, Bluetooth pairing between the stylus 102 andthe companion device 104(1) requires multiple steps to be performed bythe user, such as going to a settings menu, finding the Bluetoothoption, identifying the device to be paired, etc. Further, the user maynot even know that the stylus has Bluetooth capabilities and thus noteven know to complete the pairing process.

For introductory purposes, in this implementation, the device serialnumber 412 can be assigned to the stylus 102 during manufacture, such asby an entity manufacturing the stylus or a component thereof, such asthe PCB 402(2). The device serial number 412 can be processed byBluetooth address generation algorithm 400 to produce the Bluetoothaddress 416. Such example algorithm can be the SHA1 or SHA256 algorithm.An example application of the SHA1 Bluetooth address generationalgorithm is provided below. The Bluetooth address 416 can be thought ofas the over the air address or GAP address (e.g., the address used tocommunicate with the Bluetooth radio provided by the ASIC 414).

Example Bluetooth address generation algorithm 400:

-   -   P:=A unique identifier (e.g., device serial number 412) for the        pen (e.g., stylus 102).    -   S:=A unique hashing seed (128 bit)    -   Sha1( ):=Sha1 standard algorithmic provider.    -   Hash=sha1(sha1(S), P);    -   Bt_Address |=0xc00000000000;    -   Bt_Address &=0xffffffffffff

In the present scenario, at initial power up, the ASIC 414 can defaultinto Bluetooth advertising mode. Other implementations using otherwireless protocols can default to an advertising mode that is compliantwith the individual wireless protocol. Upon interaction with display106, the pressure sensor 330(1) can convert mechanical pressure on thesensing tip 110 to an output signal (e.g., TIP_OUT) pressure value 424.The ASIC 404 can receive the output signal pressure value 424 andrepresent the output signal pressure value by modulating signalsgenerated by the signal generator 406(1). In this case, the signalgenerator is manifest as oscillator 409(1). The ASIC 404 can furthermodulate the signals generated by the signal generator 406(1) to conveydevice serial number 412.

The companion device's pen sensor 330(N) operating cooperatively withcommunication component 332 can receive the modulated signals from thesignal generator 406(1) of stylus 102. The companion device'sfacilitation component 334 can identify portions of the signalsconveying tip sensing information and portions of the signals conveyingthe serial number 412. The facilitation component can process the serialnumber 412 with the Bluetooth address generation algorithm 400 (e.g.,the same algorithm that was used to generate the Bluetooth address 416for the stylus 102). The facilitation component can compare theBluetooth address 416 to a listing of Bluetooth devices (stored instorage 322) that the companion device has already paired with. If thestylus is already on the list of paired devices, the facilitationcomponent can stop processing. If this is the initial use of the stylus102 with the companion device 104(1) (e.g., the stylus is not on thelist of paired devices), the facilitation component can cause thecommunication component to use the Bluetooth address 416 to contact thestylus 102. The communication component can then communicate with thestylus in accordance with Bluetooth pairing protocols to complete thepairing. Once pairing is complete, the user can use click switch 328 tocontrol the companion device 104(1). For instance, the user may use theclick switch to launch an application, switch stylus contact from‘drawing’ to ‘erasing’, or ‘add a note,’ among others.

From one perspective, the Bluetooth address 416 (e.g., GAP address)generated from serial number 412 (e.g., Pen ID) can be used to enableout of band pairing since the serial number can be communicated to thecompanion device operating system (312, FIG. 3) via stylus humaninterface device (HID) reports when the stylus's sensing tip 110 isinteracting with the display 106 of the companion device 104(1). Anoperating system driver or application can decode the serial number tothe Bluetooth address using the same Bluetooth address generationalgorithm and initiate the pairing process by passing the Bluetoothaddress to the appropriate operating system pairing application programinterface (API). If the Bluetooth address decoded from the serial numberis already paired, then it can stop the process. Similar implementationscan be accomplished for other wireless formats/protocols.

In this implementation, the serial number 412 can be smaller (e.g., lessbytes) than the Bluetooth address 416. Thus, communicating the serialnumber 412 to the companion device 104(1) rather than the Bluetoothaddress 416 is less resource intensive for the stylus 102. The companiondevice 104(1) thus obtains the Bluetooth address indirectly byprocessing the received serial number 412 with the Bluetooth addressgeneration algorithm 400, such as the above mentioned SHA1 or SHA256.Other implementations can instead convey the Bluetooth address directlyto the companion device via signal generator 406(1).

Example Methods

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method or process 500 that isconsistent with at least some implementations of the present concepts.

At block 502, the method can sense information about interactions with adisplay.

At block 504, the method can embed wireless format identificationinformation with the sensed information.

At block 506, the method can transmit the sensed information and thewireless format identification information over a different wirelessformat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method or process 600 that isconsistent with at least some implementations of the present concepts.

At block 602, the method can detect signals from an apparatus/device ina first wireless format, the signals can relate to interactions of theapparatus with a display. In one case, the apparatus is manifest as astylus.

At block 604, the method can identify whether the detected signalsinclude wireless format identification information relating to a secondwireless format.

At block 606, the method can utilize the wireless format identificationinformation to establish communications with the apparatus on the secondwireless format.

The described methods or processes can be performed by the systemsand/or devices described above, and/or by other devices and/or systems.The order in which the methods are described is not intended to beconstrued as a limitation, and any number of the described acts can becombined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method.Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware,software, firmware, or combination thereof, such that a device canimplement the method. In one case, the method is stored oncomputer-readable storage media as a set of instructions such thatexecution by a processor of a computer device causes the computer deviceto perform the method.

Further Examples

The above discussion relates to device pairing and includes multipleexamples and additional examples are described below. One example caninclude a system that includes a stylus and a computing device. Thecomputing device has a display and is configured to communicate inaccordance with a wireless protocol. The stylus is configured totransmit proximity information to the computing device when a userbrings a tip of the stylus proximate to the display and is configured tosupply wireless protocol identification information with the proximityinformation. The computing device is configured to pair with the stylusover the wireless protocol using the wireless protocol identificationinformation without requiring any additional action from the user on thecomputing device or the stylus.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the stylus is configured to transmit the proximityinformation when the user hovers the tip over the display.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the computing device comprises a sensor configured toreceive the wireless protocol identification information and theproximity information.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the sensor is associated with the display or wherein thesensor is not associated with the display.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the stylus is configured to transmit the proximityinformation when the user touches the tip to the display and where theproximity information comprises pressure information and furthercomprises a signal generator that is configured to generate a signalthat transmits the pressure information electrostatically.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the signal generator comprises an oscillator thatgenerates a specific frequency signal and where the pressure informationand the wireless protocol identification information are conveyed bymodulating the specific frequency signal.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the oscillator is powered by a battery on the stylus orwhere the oscillator is powered inductively by a digitizer positionedproximate to the display on the computing device.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the computing device comprises a communication componentconfigured to communicate over multiple wireless protocols includingWi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the computing device further includes a communicationcomponent and a facilitation component, the facilitation component beingconfigured to isolate the wireless protocol identification informationfrom the proximity information and to cause the communication componentto initiate a pairing process with the stylus in accordance with thewireless protocol using the wireless protocol identificationinformation.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the wireless protocol identification informationcomprises a Bluetooth address of the stylus based upon a manufacturingidentification number.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the computing device is a tablet type computing device, asmartphone type computing device, a digital whiteboard, or a notebooktype computing device.

Another example can include a computing device that includes a housingthat is graspable by a user and a sensing tip positioned relative to thehousing. The sensing tip is configured to sense information relating toan interaction of the sensing tip with a display of a companion displaydevice. The computing devise further includes a first signal generatorconfigured to communicate with the companion display device via wirelesssignals that comply with a wireless protocol and a second signalgenerator configured to communicate with the companion display devicevia other wireless signals that are a different frequency than thewireless signals and that convey at least some of the sensed informationabout the interaction with the display to the companion display device.The other wireless signals also convey information about the computingdevice that facilitates pairing of the computing device and thecompanion display device in accordance with the wireless protocol.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the housing extends between opposing first and secondends and where the sensing tip protrudes from the first end, or wherethe sensing tip is contained within the housing, or where the sensingtip protrudes from the first end and a second sensing tip protrudes fromthe second end.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the first signal generator is further configured tooperate in a wireless protocol compliant advertising mode upon beingpowered on by the user.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the sensing tip comprises a pressure sensor or where thesensing tip does not include a pressure sensor, or where the sensing tipcomprises a proximity sensor, or where the sensing tip includes aproximity sensor and a pressure sensor.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the information about the computing device comprises aunique identification of the computing device.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the information about the computing device thatfacilitates pairing of the computing device and the companion computingdevice in accordance with the wireless protocol comprises a Bluetoothaddress of the computing device based upon a manufacturingidentification number.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the wireless protocol comprises Bluetooth or wherein thewireless protocol comprises Wi-Fi.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the sensed information about the interaction with thedisplay to the companion display device comprises inking informationabout contact and pressure of the sensing tip on the display.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the computing device comprises a stylus.

Another example can include a computing device that includes a display,a wireless communication component configured to communicate with otherdevices in accordance with a wireless protocol, and a proximity sensingcomponent configured to sense wireless signals from an individual otherdevice that convey information about a tip of the individual otherdevice relative to the display. The computing device further includes afacilitation component configured to analyze the wireless signals toidentify other information about the individual other device containedin the wireless signals and to use the other information to cause thewireless communication component to pair with the individual otherdevice in compliance with the wireless protocol.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the facilitation component is part of an operating systemof the computing device or part of an application operating on thecomputing device.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the facilitation component is further configured tomonitor for subsequent communications from the paired individual otherdevice over the wireless protocol and to perform an action responsive todetecting the subsequent communications.

Another example can include any combination of the above and/or belowexamples where the proximity sensing component comprises a pen sensor.

Conclusion

Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc., pertaining toout-of-band device pairing are described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms ofimplementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, etc.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. An interface device comprising: a proximity sensorconfigured to sense proximity of the interface device to a companiondevice; an electrostatic signal generator configured to: obtain anidentifier of the interface device; and responsive to the interfacedevice being brought within proximity to the companion device,communicate an electrostatic signal that conveys the identifier to thecompanion device; and a wireless signal generator configured to: performa wireless pairing process with the companion device using a wirelessaddress that is based on the identifier.
 25. The interface device ofclaim 24, the identifier being a serial number of the interface device.26. The interface device of claim 25, the wireless address being aBluetooth address derived from the identifier.
 27. The interface deviceof claim 24, the proximity sensor comprising an electrostatic receiver.28. The interface device of claim 27, the electrostatic signal generatorbeing configured to: communicate proximity information sensed by theelectrostatic receiver to the companion device.
 29. The interface deviceof claim 28, embodied as a stylus.
 30. A method performed by a companiondevice for wireless pairing with an interface device, the methodcomprising: detecting an electrostatic signal communicated from theinterface device to the companion device; processing the electrostaticsignal to extract an identifier of the interface device; based at leaston the identifier of the interface device, determining a wirelessaddress of the interface device; and initiating a pairing process withthe interface device using the wireless address.
 31. The method of claim30, further comprising: sensing the electrostatic signal with adigitizer of the companion device.
 32. The method of claim 30, thepairing process being performed using a short-range wireless connection.33. The method of claim 30, wherein the determining the wireless addresscomprises performing a hashing operation on the identifier.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, the identifier being a serial number of theinterface device.
 35. The method of claim 34, the wireless address beinga Bluetooth address.
 36. The method of claim 30, further comprising:identifying proximity information conveyed by the electrostatic signal;and controlling functionality of the companion device based at least onthe proximity information.
 37. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising: identifying pressure information conveyed by theelectrostatic signal; and controlling functionality of the companiondevice based at least on the pressure information.
 38. A methodperformed by an interface device, the method comprising: storing anidentifier of the interface device in storage; detecting that theinterface device is in proximity to a companion device; responsive todetecting that the interface device is in proximity to the companiondevice, generating an electrostatic signal that conveys the identifierof the interface device to the companion device; and performing awireless pairing process with the companion device using a wirelessaddress related to the identifier of the interface device.
 39. Themethod of claim 38, wherein the identifier is a serial number of theinterface device and the wireless address can be derived from the serialnumber using an algorithm.
 40. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising: detecting that the interface device is in proximity to thecompanion device using an electrostatic receiver of the interfacedevice.
 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: using theelectrostatic receiver to obtain proximity information that conveys theproximity of the interface device to the companion device; andelectrostatically communicating the proximity information to thecompanion device.
 42. The method of claim 38, further comprising: usingthe wireless address to perform short-range wireless communication withthe companion device via a short-range wireless communication protocol.43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: detecting activation ofa switch on the interface device; and using the short-range wirelesscommunication to communicate an indication, to the companion device,that the switch has been activated.